Edward Akuoko, General Manager at Akonta Mining Limited and formerly the fourth accused in the company’s ongoing criminal case, has explained his decision to cooperate with prosecutors as a state witness.
Speaking on Okay FM, Akuoko said his choice was driven by self-preservation, noting he received less support than Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
“The day we went to court, many NPP members were chanting ‘Free Chairman Wontumi’ but no one said ‘Free Akuoko’. I realized no one knows me, so I have to be careful. After being granted bail, some elders advised me to save myself and serve as a witness”, he noted.
“If Chairman Wontumi is jailed, he could be pardoned by a future NPP government, but I would be forgotten. I realized I have to save myself”, he added.
The Office of the Attorney-General recently withdrew all charges against Akuoko under Section 59 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), officially discharging him from the case.
Chairman Wontumi’s legal team, however, criticized the decision. Lead counsel Andy Appiah Kubi accused the AG’s office of manipulating the process by freeing Akuoko in exchange for testimony, insisting the defense will continue to contest the case on its merits.
